Railroad Reconstruction Overview
Napa Jct. to Wagner

The line from Napa Jct (MP 0.00) to the west end of Wagner (MP 46.4) will be reconstructed. The Normal right-of-way width is 100 feet, except in station grounds and other extra width locations along the line.

The old Milwaukee rail and other track materials will be removed and salvaged. The old ties will be removed with all usable ties remaining to be laced in with new construction. The grade will be graded smooth with new sub-ballast placed as required to achieve contract compliance. The line will be reconstructed using new jointed 115 lb AREA rail, a combination of new 7”x 9” x 8’6” ties in addition to usable relay ties as noted. Tie plates will be carbon steel, canted, and sized at a 8”x 11” minimum. Crushed ledge rock ballast shall be used in quantities to achieve construction contract compliance and allowing track surfacing and lining to meet Federal Railroad Administration class III requirements.

There are 46 rural public grade crossings that will be reconstructed. These crossings are primarily gravel Township or County roadways. These crossings will be reconstructed with new Grade 5 ties, new 115 lb rail and 7 ½” full depth timber plank. All public at-grade crossings will be equipped with new advanced warning signs and cross-bucks.

The public at-grade crossings of State Highways No 25, No 50 and No 37 will be reconstructed with pre-cast concrete panels as designed by the South Dakota Department of Transportation.

There are 27 timber pile trestles ranging in size from one to nineteen spans. These bridges will be rehabilitated to allow heavy axle loading of 286,000 lbs. Drainage conditions on the line can be considered fair and adequate.

They Wye track at Napa Jct. , was totally reconstructed in 2006 with re-graded roadbed, ditching and drainage improvements, new ties and relay 115lb joined rail. BNSF installed new 136 lb, No11 turnouts on the east and west legs of the Wye. A new 115lb, No 11 turnout was installed at the tail track at the Wye.